These recipes for a vegetarian Christmas dinner will satisfy the whole crowd—meat eaters included.
45 Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Recipes
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
1/44
Lasagna Rolls
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Italian lasagna roll-ups are not complicated; they require only basic ingredients to assemble. Prepared spaghetti sauce helps me save time and get dinner on the table sooner. —Mary Lee Thomas, Logansport, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 375 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 538mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
2/44
Cranberry Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To make light and airy gnocchi, work quickly and handle the dough as little as possible. You’ll be pleased with the resulting pillowy dumplings. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 411 calories, 30g fat (16g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
3/44
Pretty Duchess Potatoes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! This recipe is a favorite vegetarian Christmas side dish or Thanksgiving menu idea. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 158 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
4/44
Fig-Carrot Stuffed Kabocha Squash
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While searching for a new winter squash variety, I stumbled upon kabocha squash—it really wowed me. The flavor and texture are both rich and beautiful, and this vegetarian Christmas dinner recipe, which I improvised, really suits the squash well. —Caitlin Stephens-North, Malden, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed wedge: 299 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 13g fiber), 5g protein.
5/44
Cheesy Baked Asparagus
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy baked asparagus is an ideal fresh asparagus recipe with a rich, creamy sauce and cashews. It’s a favorite vegetarian Christmas dinner dish that is easy to prepare. —Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 261 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
6/44
Scalloped Cranberries
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm cranberry casserole is a nice substitute for traditional cranberry relish. It’s been a staple on my holiday table ever since my aunt gave me the recipe many years ago. —Ellan Streett, Clear Spring, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 388 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 246mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (55g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
7/44
Vegetable Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We raised our daughters as vegetarians. I wanted to give them more options than just pizza and pasta, so when they were around 11 years old, I made this vegetable potpie recipe. It’s still a hit. —Mark Sirota, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 679 calories, 40g fat (21g saturated fat), 146mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein.
8/44
Butternut Squash Custard
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband first tasted this comforting casserole more than 10 years ago when he was still my fiance. He fell in love with it! Serve it up for a vegetarian Christmas dinner spread. —Maura Calusdian, Londonderry, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 202 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
9/44
Onion Kugel
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sliced eggplant, diced green pepper or shredded cabbage can be used in place of onions for this onion kugel recipe. Easy and traditional, this vegetarian Christmas dinner dish resembles a delicious souffle. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 171 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
10/44
Polish Pierogi
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m from a small town in New Jersey where a number of Polish immigrants—including my parents—settled. My mother was a great cook who taught me lots of Polish recipes like this one, which I have adapted to use in my catering business. Also called Polish lasagna, it’s a real crowd-pleaser. Offer this as a vegetarian Christmas dinner dish! —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3 pieces: 223 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 366mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
11/44
Crispy Baked Tofu
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll never need another baked tofu recipe! My version is nice and crispy on the outside while remaining super soft on the inside. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 154 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
12/44
Rustic Squash Tarts
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 tarts (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegetarian Christmas dinner recipe is hiding a big surprise. Flaky, rustic-looking pastry shells hold a sweet and spicy pecan layer under the squash slices. —Ann Marie Moch, Kintyre, ND
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 279 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
13/44
Triple Cranberry Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry fans will ask for this vegetarian Christmas dinner sauce again and again. It’s loaded with their favorite fruit—in fresh, dried and juice form. Orange and allspice make it awesome. —Arlene Smulski, Lyons, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 113 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 0 protein.
14/44
Roasted Vegetable and Chevre Quiche
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasting the veggies in this rich yet bright quiche intensifies their flavors. The addition of fresh goat cheese lends a wonderful creamy tanginess. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 219 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
15/44
Spiced Acorn Squash
Total Time
3 hours 45 min
Servings
4 squash halves
From the Recipe Creator:
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 squash half: 433 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
16/44
Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My colorful “boats” with quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds use delicata squash, a winter squash with edible skin that’s cream-colored with green stripes. In a pinch, acorn squash will do—but don't eat the skin! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed squash half: 275 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
17/44
Creamy Mushroom-Potato Bake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The day I first made this, we'd invited a neighbor—a bachelor farmer—over, and I wanted to fix something hearty. It was a hit instantly. These days, our three sons enjoy it as a change from regular mashed potatoes. We've found that it's best served with beef...either with or without gravy. —Kathy Smith, Granger, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 141 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
18/44
Asparagus Pastry Puffs
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When the first asparagus of the season appears, we serve it rolled inside puff pastry with a yummy cheese filling. Our guests always compliment these lovely treats. —Cindy Jamieson, Tonawanda, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 188 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
19/44
Winter Beet Salad
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To save a little time on this sweet and savory beet salad, we recommend using packaged salad greens in this original recipe. The simple dressing is easy to assemble. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 213 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
20/44
Lentil Loaf
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegetarian Christmas dinner loaf is so flavorful, you won’t miss the meat. And it’s packed with fiber and nutrients. —Tracy Fleming, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 213 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
21/44
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 502 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
22/44
Pronto Vegetarian Peppers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the summer I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed pepper halves: 341 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 11g fiber), 19g protein.
23/44
Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice with 3 tablespoons topping: 97 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
24/44
Roasted Beets
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This roasted beets recipe makes ordinary beets taste tender and delicious with just a few sweet and good-for-you ingredients. —Wendy Stenman, Germantown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 beet wedges: 92 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
25/44
Four-Cheese Stuffed Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
More cheese, please! You’ll get your fill from saucy jumbo pasta shells loaded with four kinds—ricotta, Asiago, mozzarella and cottage cheese. Do the prep work, and then freeze according to the recipe directions to have a ready-to-bake meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 376 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
26/44
Bow Tie & Spinach Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With pasta salad, it’s easy to change up ingredients. We like to add grilled chicken and pine nuts, and sometimes we substitute black beans for the garbanzo beans. —Julie Kirkpatrick, Billings, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 318 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
27/44
Mozzarella Mushrooms with Garlic Toast
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this dinner using ingredients I had on hand. It turned out to be so delicious, my wife and I now make it for special occasions. —Marc Bushee, Moorhead, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 366 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 562mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
28/44
Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in these comforting spuds. Simply mash, mix and let them warm in the slow cooker. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 341 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
29/44
Mushroom & Leek Pie
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the Pacific Northwest, we make a savory pie with mushrooms and leeks. We prefer chanterelle, but baby portobello or oyster mushrooms will also delight your diners. —Vickie Woods, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 338 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
30/44
Italian Herb-Lentil Patties with Mozzarella
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has requested this meatless recipe over and over again. It is simple to prepare and even meat lovers like it. —Geri Lucas, Oldsmar, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty: 416 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 26g protein.
31/44
Slow-Cooked Broccoli
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This family-favorite side dish is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That's a tremendous help when I'm prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 159 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
32/44
Green Bean Mushroom Pie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh green bean flavor stands out in this pretty lattice-topped pie. A flaky golden crust holds the savory bean, mushroom and cream cheese filling. It tastes wonderfully different every time I make it, depending on the variety of mushrooms I use. -Tara Walworth, Maple Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 503 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 587mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
33/44
Cheese Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cheese manicotti was the first meal I cooked for my husband, and all these years later, he still enjoys it! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed manicotti: 361 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
34/44
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My rich, saucy lasagna features winter squash at its finest. The whipped cream topping adds a unique twist to this meatless casserole packed with roasted butternut squash, two kinds of cheese and a host of seasonings. Allowing the lasagna to stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving makes it easier to cut. —Lisa Sheets, Carmel, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 358 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
35/44
Baked Figs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a nice change from the traditional savory offerings. To keep the flavorful figs warm during your party, serve them in a chafing dish.— Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 71 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
36/44
Warm Tasty Greens with Garlic
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My farm box had too many greens, so I had to use them up. This tasty idea uses kale, tomatoes and garlic in a dish that quickly disappears. —Martha Neth, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 137 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
37/44
Caramelized Fennel Tarts
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Fennel is a favorite of mine, no matter how it’s cooked, but I think it is really amazing sauteed until rich and golden, then baked on delicious puff pastry. I’ve served these as a vegetarian Christmas dinner dish and as an appetizer.—Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 116 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
38/44
Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer pot pie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I’ve come pretty close! — Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
39/44
Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein.
40/44
Mushroom Asparagus Quiche
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Loads of asparagus pieces add color and flavor to this hearty, creamy quiche. And its easy crescent roll crust means you’ll have a vegetarian Christmas dinner ready in a snap! —Sharon A. Fujita, Fontana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 272 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
41/44
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
42/44
Honey-Thyme Butternut Squash
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden, honey-sweetened squash is just as hearty and comforting as your favorite potato dish. With its bright color, it makes an attractive side for your vegetarian Christmas dinner. —Bianca Noiseux, Bristol, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 145 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
43/44
Red Pepper Cornmeal Souffle
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I use the vegetables from our garden in all my cooking. Dotted with parsley and red pepper, this vegetarian Christmas dinner souffle is a favorite. —Janet Eckhoff, Woodland, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 193 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
44/44
Mushroom-Bean Bourguignon
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
In our family, boeuf bourguignon has been a staple for generations. I wanted a meatless alternative. All this dish needs is a French baguette. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 234 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
